The Transmission Company of Nigeria(TCN) has stepped up its campaign against the vandalism of electricity infrastructure, warning that attacks on transmission towers and illegal activities around power lines continue to threaten Nigeria’s power supply system.
The company urged residents of host communities to support efforts aimed at protecting transmission facilities and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
TCN officials made the appeal during separate sensitisation campaigns held in Ogun and Rivers states involving community leaders, youths and traditional institutions.
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Speaking during a community engagement in Itele, Ijebu East Local Government Area, General Manager of TCN’s Benin Region, Charles Iwuamadi, said acts of vandalism were causing serious disruptions to electricity transmission nationwide.
Represented by Assistant General Manager, Technical Services, Matthew Ariyibi, Iwuamadi said funds meant for development projects were increasingly being diverted to repair damaged infrastructure.
“Whether it is the tower base, conductors or any other equipment, residents of host communities often notice problems before we do. That is why we are sensitising communities to help safeguard these facilities,” he said.
He revealed that patrol teams had discovered several cases of tampering and removal of tower components, warning that such actions posed serious risks to lives and the national grid.
The TCN also warned residents against constructing houses or other structures beneath high-tension lines.
Officials described the practice as dangerous and capable of exposing residents to electrocution and other health risks.
Principal Manager, Health, Safety and Environment, Mr Otaru Abamiyo, said transmission infrastructure remained vital to national development and economic growth.
“When these structures are destroyed, power supply is disrupted. It affects the economy, damages the nation’s image and creates opportunities for criminal activities,” Abamiyo said.
Principal Manager, Transmission, Omotosho Sub-Region, Engr Pius Olubunmi Afonrinwo, explained that Nigeria’s transmission network operates as an interconnected grid system, meaning vandalism in one area can affect electricity supply nationwide.
“A single weakened tower can collapse and bring down several others, especially during heavy winds,” he stated.
He added that replacing vandalised infrastructure costs billions of naira and places additional pressure on the power sector.
In Rivers State, TCN’s Port Harcourt Region Manager, Akpa Anyaegbunam, engaged youths from Ahoada East and Ahoada West communities on the dangers of vandalism.
Anyaegbunam recalled that 20 transmission towers along the Ahoada-Yenagoa power line were vandalised in July 2024, causing a four-month blackout in Bayelsa State.
“The question we continue to ask is who are the individuals vandalising these towers? No stranger can enter a community and destroy infrastructure without local support,” he said.
He urged communities to see power infrastructure as shared national assets requiring collective protection.
Responding on behalf of the youths, community leader Isaiah Sunday pledged support for the initiative and called for the creation of local surveillance teams to protect transmission facilities.
Traditional ruler of Itele, Oba Muftau Kasali, represented by Chief Stephen Ewubajo, also assured the TCN of community support in safeguarding installations.
The renewed campaign comes amid growing concerns over recurring grid disturbances, electricity shortages and the rising cost of repairing damaged power infrastructure across Nigeria.
